Hammond fights to exclude students from migrant curbs

Philip Hammond said the UK had to protect its interestsPAUL DAVEY/ALAMY

Philip Hammond is battling Theresa May in an attempt to exclude students from the net migration target.

Mr Hammond, who is taking up the fight started by Amber Rudd, the home secretary, was asked about a letter he wrote to Downing Street demanding a change in the way the numbers were calculated.

The letter is a year old, but yesterday the chancellor confirmed that the discussion was continuing. “We are having conversations within government at the most appropriate way to record and address net migration,” he said.

“As we approach the challenge of getting net migration figures down, it is in my view essential that we look at how we do this in a way that protects the vital interests of our economy. It is…